Real Life Runners with Angie and Kevin Brown

In this episode of the Real Life Runners podcast, we discuss the importance of starting fall race preparation during the summer months, particularly June and July. We delve into the concept of cycle stacking, emphasizing the need to lay a strong foundation now to avoid last-minute rush and stress. Key topics include the importance of strength training, building mental toughness, adapting to heat, and incorporating up and down weeks...

In this empowering and eye-opening episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Nikki DiNezza—a true expert in the world of gut health. Whether you're a runner, a health-conscious human, or someone who’s just trying to feel better in your own skin, this conversation will resonate with you.

Dr. Nikki shares her fascinating journey into gut health and explains how our digestive system is so much more than what we often think. We t...

This week on the Real Life Runners Podcast, we are celebrating the amazing energy and breakthroughs from our recent Running Reignited Challenge! It was so inspiring to see so many of you reconnect with your goals and remember why you started running in the first place.

But here’s the thing we really want to talk about: Inspiration is great—but it’s not enough on its own.

If we want to create real change, we have to move from feeling ...

You need two things to improve your running: strength and stress. If you've been feeling stuck in your performance or sidelined by recurring injuries, this one's for you. We share why simply adding more miles or intensity isn't the answer—and how focusing on quality over quantity can unlock a whole new level of progress.

We explore the essential role of strength training in building a more resilient, efficient runner—...

Have you noticed that running can sometimes start to feel like a chore? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about why this happens—and more importantly, how to reignite that inner spark. We unpack the common culprits behind burnout, from overtraining and life overload to the hormonal changes that often surface for women in their 40s and beyond. If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, o...

This week, we’re diving deeper—not just into outdated strategies that no longer serve us as runners over 40, but into the powerful role identity plays in our running journey.

As runners, we can define ourselves by pace, distance, or race goals. But over time, that performance-based mindset can start to feel limiting—or even discouraging. In this episode, we talk about what it means to step into a new identity: one that prioritizes l...

In this inspiring episode, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Cindi Wachholz, a 62-year-old paramedic and runner who proves that it’s never too late to chase big goals. Cindi didn’t start running until she was 59, and her story is such a powerful reminder that age is just a number.

She shared how she started with simple walk-run sessions, built consistency over time, and gradually worked her way up to finishing a half marat...

In this solo episode of The Real Life Runners podcast, I’m diving into something so many of us struggle with after 40: why it feels harder to maintain a healthy weight, even when you’re exercising and eating right. Trust me, you’re not alone in this!

I’ll walk you through what’s really going on inside our bodies — how hormonal shifts, like drops in estrogen and progesterone, impact our metabolism and muscle mass. And more importantl...

In this episode, we draw an analogy between encountering a '404 Page Not Found' error on the web and hitting a plateau or decline in one's training plan, particularly for runners over 40. We discuss the changes in physiology and life circumstances that necessitate a new training approach, including changes in hormonal levels, stress management, and adjustments in workouts to reflect current fitness capabilities. We e...

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In this episode of The Real Life Runners Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that so many runners can relate to—using running as a stress relief tool, but sometimes this backfires. We’ll talk about the common mistakes runners make that can actually increase stress levels rather than relieve them. The key? Learning to reconnect with your body and adjust training to support—not strain—your syst...

Feeling slower despite consistent running routines is a common concern among runners over 40. This episode addresses the frustration experienced by seasoned runners who feel their performance is declining with age. Key topics include the real reasons behind this perceived slowdown—beyond just age—and actionable strategies to combat them. The discussion covers the importance of nervous system regulation, updated training strategies,...

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Sabrina Magnan, an intuitive eating and food freedom coach, to discuss the complexities of our relationship with food and body image. Sabrina shares her personal journey from a life consumed by disordered eating and extreme dieting to one of balance and self-love. She explains the distinctions between disordered eating and eating disorders, and highlights the impact of diet culture on our ...

Most runners focus on endurance and strength training—but what if explosive power was the missing piece to better running?

In this milestone 400th episode of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we’re diving into plyometrics—a powerful training tool that can help you run faster, improve efficiency, and reduce injury risk.

Many runners assume plyos are just for sprinters or elite athletes, but the truth is, every runner can benefit from add...

In this episode, Dr. Angie Brown welcomes Dr. Christine Li, a psychologist and procrastination coach, to discuss the roots of procrastination and the challenges of midlife, particularly for women. Dr. Li explains how fear and self-doubt are central to procrastination and the importance of self-kindness and mindfulness in overcoming these barriers. The discussion also delves into the unique challenges faced by women in midlife, incl...

Do more miles really lead to better performance? We discuss why recreational runners should not follow elite training plans, taking into account the genetic, recovery, and lifestyle differences. The episode explores the science and benefits behind polarized training, which emphasizes easy and hard training days while minimizing moderate efforts. We highlight the importance of a training plan that fits one's individual life cir...

In episode 397 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we focused on the often overlooked component for improved running performance and injury prevention: the nervous system. While many runners emphasize training plans, mileage, strength training, nutrition, and paces, the regulation of the nervous system is crucial for optimal results. We delve into the autonomic nervous system, explaining the roles of the sympathetic (fight or flight)...

In this episode, we hosts discuss how runners over 40 can redefine their running goals and mindset to focus on strength, endurance, and enjoyment. We challenge the narrative that aging means decline, instead advocating for an evolution in running. The conversation touches on shifting perspectives from losing weight to building muscle, the importance of strength training, the benefits of intelligent training, and the psychological i...

In this second part of the Long Haul Recap, we dive into the concluding segments of a 100-mile ultramarathon. Kevin and his family reflect on the challenges faced during the race, including hydration management, dealing with calf cramps, and the mental fortitude required to push through such an endurance event. The episode highlights strategies for maintaining pace, the importance of strength and conditioning, and effective recover...

He did it again! Kevin completed his second 100-mile race (first on a trail) on January 18th and 19th, overcoming various challenges. The episode covers the logistical preparation, unexpected issues like missing fuel sources and equipment, and the emotional ups and downs both Kevin and us faced. It details the start of the race, Kevin's tactics, the importance of hydration and nutrition, and the initial loops of the course. St...